Pandar Media is your go-to destination for sharp, insightful coverage of toys, movies, TV shows, and video games. Built on a passion for pop culture and a commitment to thoughtful analysis, Pandar Media delivers honest reviews that break down every product and experience through the lens of P.A.N.D.A.R. — Price, Articulation, Name, Demographics, Accessories, and Release Date.
Beyond reviews, Pandar Media brings fans closer to the industry through exclusive interviews with celebrities, creators, and innovators, as well as live coverage and panel moderation from major comic and entertainment conventions. At its core, Pandar Media blends expertise with enthusiasm, celebrating fandom while helping audiences make informed decisions about the media and collectibles they love. Inspired by my son's love of panda bears and the joy of sharing pop culture across generations, Pandar Media is where fun meets informed perspective.
Meet Mike
Mike Stencel has spent the past seven years covering pop culture by interviewing toy industry representatives at New York Toy Fair and moderating panels at New York Comic Con and other local conventions.
A lifelong fan of geek culture, his passion began with Star Wars, sparked by vivid childhood memories of his mom sneaking candy into the theater while they watched The Empire Strikes Back. That early love grew into a deep appreciation for superhero films, ’80s video games—his Atari 2600 still sits intact in his family room—and toy collecting. By the power of Grayskull, he definitely has the Super Power.
He especially enjoys the nostalgia of collecting and displaying action figures from toy lines such as Masters of the Universe, DC Super Powers, Thundercats, G.I. Joe, Transformers, SilverHawks, WWF LJN, and Sectaurs, to name a few.
When not celebrating his “nerdom,” Mike is a high school English teacher at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, where he has taught for 22 years. He earned his BA in Print Journalism from Hofstra University in 2001 and holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Education.
An Eagle Scout, Mike is also a longtime Cub Scout leader and Scoutmaster, a high school swim official, and has been married to his beautiful wife Melissa for 19 years. He is the proud father of three boys—Holden (16), Logan, and Jordan (11)—who conveniently share many of his interests.
